The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld #3)(60)
Author: Gena Showalter

Beautiful Ashlyn stepped into the room.

Maddox hadn’t seen her, Sabin didn’t think, but the man pressed his lips together, cutting off his words. The warrior always seemed to know when the human girl approached, though Sabin wasn’t sure whether he could smell her lovely scent or simply sensed her.

His violet eyes scanned the living room and when they landed on her, his expression softened. Sabin studied her, as well. She was the color of honey and just as sweet, as lovely as a cameo. She always appeared so…fragile, which made it difficult for him to understand how she had tamed such a wicked beast as Maddox. No doubt she’d even be able to convince him to change diapers once the baby was born.

Maddox motioned her to him. Smiling, she obeyed. The moment she was within reaching distance, the warrior enfolded her in his arms.

There would be no more talk of war. Maddox would kill anyone who scared his woman, and that was as it should be.

"Hey, everyone," she said.

A chorus of "heys" rang out.

Maddox frowned down at her. "You are pale. You need more rest. Let me carry you back to our – "

"No, not yet. I, well…I heard something," she said, features somber now.

Everyone, including Maddox, stiffened. Ashlyn had the unique ability of hearing every conversation that had ever transpired in whatever spot she stood in, no matter how much time had passed, no matter what language was spoken. Those voices were quiet only when Maddox was near her. None of them were sure why that was the case, but Ashlyn liked to say that it was a sign she and Maddox were meant to be together.

"The Darkest Pleasure"

Sabin had wanted to make use of her gift on several occasions; Maddox had told him the voices tormented her and had forbidden it. But the warrior would not turn his wrath on Ashlyn for walking away from him and listening on her own. A fact Sabin had mentioned to her on several occasions.

"Did you leave the house?" Maddox asked her, the question tight with only the slightest hint of anger.

"Maybe," she hedged. "I know you were worried I’m not getting enough rest and wanted me to nap before going out again to listen for past conversations about the box with Anya – who, by the way, would not stop talking about being ejected from the battle at the temple, so I didn’t hear much. But any more rest and I might as well dig a grave. I just went for a walk. That’s all."

Good girl, Sabin thought. He didn’t mention that knowing Maddox, Anya had not been the girl’s only protector earlier. The warrior had most likely been in the shadows, watching her from a safe distance while she worked.

"Ashlyn," Maddox uttered, the name a warning. "These are dangerous times. No telling who could have been out there, waiting, watching."

"I didn’t mean to get started again, it just happened. But as you can see, no harm befell me."

"This time," he growled. "No harm befell you this time. I cannot believe you left without at least informing me. Do you want to be captured by our enemy? They would not hesitate to use you, hurt you." With every word, his anger became more pronounced.

"I was careful. Besides, I want to do my part. I want you safe and if I have to take a risk now and then to ensure that you are, I will."

"Yes, but now you risk our baby."

Abject hurt contorted her features. "I love this child and would never place her in unnecessary jeopardy. But just so you know, you’re as important to me as our baby. Your safety is vital. And in case you’ve forgotten, we’re connected. You die, I die."

He shuddered at the reminder.

"I disguised myself before I took my walk just in case, but I didn’t actually see anyone who looked like a Hunter. No visible wrist tattoos, anyway. And if it makes you feel any better, the chatter I heard was from a few hours ago."

Maddox buried his head in her hair. "I cannot lose you. I would die a more painful death than any that has come before."

"I will not lose you, either. That’s why I’m doing this."

"Tell us what you heard," Sabin commanded, then added, "Please," when Maddox snarled at him. Temper, temper. Politeness was not a natural inclination for Sabin, and he had to work for it.

Her fingers curled around Maddox’s wrists, holding on to him as if he were a precious treasure. "You were right," she told Sabin. "There are indeed Hunters. They’re looking for you. Or rather, they were looking for you."

She’d heard that, too, had she? He tried not to smirk at Maddox, but he failed. See, he projected. Something needs to be done about them. War is the only way.

You were wrong, Doubt added, the words slithering into Maddox’s mind, Sabin knew. You’re always wrong.

"Sabin," Maddox barked.

"Sorry." The demon couldn’t help itself, and Sabin could not always stop it from inflicting doubts on others. When an opportunity presented itself, the demon took it. Every damn time. This is why I can’t have a woman of my own.

"I was able to isolate around twelve different voices. They’re swarming into Buda," Ashlyn said, "because they just learned where the second artifact is. They’re on their way to get it."

CHAPTER NINETEEN

DANIKA AND REYES FINALLY reached the fortress, leaving dusk behind. They hadn’t kissed or even touched since departing from the club. They hadn’t spoken, either. Reyes wasn’t sure if that was a blessing or a curse. What was she thinking?

Silence continued to cloak them, even when they strode inside his bedroom. Never turning his back on Danika, he closed and locked the door. She didn’t face him. He leaned against it, the wood’s coolness seeping past his torn shirt and into his skin. Thankfully Pain had receded to the back of his mind, temporarily sated from his battle with the Hunters, and was making no demands.

Danika stood in front of the bed, staring down at the black sheets. With trepidation? With anticipation?

Reyes hoped the latter. The Hunters had cut him so deeply and in so many places, he probably needed stitches on every limb. He’d chosen not to doctor himself, however. The pain was sublime, throbbing through him, making him quake with pleasurable sensations. He could finally be with this woman, and she wouldn’t have to hurt him. He would be so gentle with her, he wouldn’t allow himself to worry about corrupting her.

"Nervous?" he asked.

A moment passed before she responded. "No."

Liar. He didn’t grin, though his lips twitched upward. "Shall we talk first?" Even offering a reprieve was difficult for him. He craved her in his bed, naked and straining against him.

"No. No talking."

His brow furrowed, and he frowned. She’d sounded so…determined. Why did she not want to talk with him? Does it matter? You did not wish to talk with her, either.